Rotation and outbursts of comet P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1

The paper examines rotation and outbursts of comet P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1. The observations of the P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 show this comet to flare above its quiescent level from before perihelion q=5.5 AU, to after aphelion Q of about 7AU. Cometary 'afternoon' activity suggests counterclockwise rotation of aphelion pole as seen near lambda=100 deg; outburst dates were derived from observed coma diameters, and the rotation was found to be direct with pole near lambda=280 deg. Usually one large area of the comet is active during one opposition, although two were observed concurrently in four very active oppositions; old active areas persist near the East limb of the comet and new areas resist development toward the West limb.